Clean vs Dirty Bulk: What’s Worked for You?

[Oliver2010]

Hey everyone,

I am currently planning my next bulk phase and keep debating between doing a clean bulk or going for a dirty bulk. I know the theory behind both, but I’m looking for some real world experiences from people who’ve actually done one or both styles of bulking.

I’d really appreciate your input, especially around results, diet, and how manageable things were during and after the bulk.

 

[jim]

Hey everyone,

I am currently planning my next bulk phase and keep debating between doing a clean bulk or going for a dirty bulk. I know the theory behind both, but I’m looking for some real world experiences from people who’ve actually done one or both styles of bulking.

I’d really appreciate your input, especially around results, diet, and how manageable things were during and after the bulk.

Great topic bro. I’ve done both over the years dirty bulk helped me gain size fast but came with a lot of unnecessary fat and water retention. Clean bulk took longer, but the gains were leaner and way easier to maintain after cutting.

If you're disciplined with food and macros, clean bulk is definitely the way to go long term. But if you're chasing size quick and don’t mind cutting hard later, dirty bulk can give that temporary edge.

Curious to hear what others say too!

 

[Oliver2010]

Great topic bro. I’ve done both over the years dirty bulk helped me gain size fast but came with a lot of unnecessary fat and water retention. Clean bulk took longer, but the gains were leaner and way easier to maintain after cutting.

If you're disciplined with food and macros, clean bulk is definitely the way to go long term. But if you're chasing size quick and don’t mind cutting hard later, dirty bulk can give that temporary edge.

Curious to hear what others say too!

Appreciate you sharing that, man! Sounds like you have been through both sides of the game.

Yeah, the fast size with dirty bulk does sound nice, but that extra fat and water weight is exactly what I’m trying to avoid. I don’t wanna feel super heavy or spend forever cutting later

 

[jim]

Appreciate you sharing that, man! Sounds like you have been through both sides of the game.

Yeah, the fast size with dirty bulk does sound nice, but that extra fat and water weight is exactly what I’m trying to avoid. I don’t wanna feel super heavy or spend forever cutting later

Totally get that, bro. Clean bulk might take more patience, but it’s way easier on the body long term less bloat, better energy, and you stay feeling athletic throughout.

You could even do a "lean bulk with occasional loose days" gives a bit of freedom without going full dirty mode. Keep us posted on what route you pick

 

[Beez]

For me, the biggest danger with a dirty bulk, is that you lose all your discipline. I ended up putting on a lot of weight very little of muscle. And the cut was just harder.

Also, with a dirty bulk, you may need new clothes.

 

[Oliver2010]

For me, the biggest danger with a dirty bulk, is that you lose all your discipline. I ended up putting on a lot of weight very little of muscle. And the cut was just harder.

Also, with a dirty bulk, you may need new clothes.

Yeah bro, totally feel you on that. Dirty bulks can get out of hand real quick if you're not careful. Clean bulk takes more patience, but way easier to manage when it's time to cut and your wardrobe thanks you too

 

[Anibal Lopez]

Hey everyone,

I am currently planning my next bulk phase and keep debating between doing a clean bulk or going for a dirty bulk. I know the theory behind both, but I’m looking for some real world experiences from people who’ve actually done one or both styles of bulking.

I’d really appreciate your input, especially around results, diet, and how manageable things were during and after the bulk.

Bro, I have tried both. Dirty bulk helped me gain size fast but also got pretty fluffy had to work harder to cut. Clean bulk was slower but way easier to manage after, less fat to lose. Now I stick to clean bulk, just eat a bit over maintenance with solid food.

 

[Oliver2010]

Appreciate all the replies, guys! Really helpful to hear real-world experiences instead of just theory. Gave me a lot more clarity on what to expect with each approach. Thanks again for taking the time to share your insights, means a lot!

 

[The Grim Repper]

As time goes on, I can't tolerate a "dirty bulk". I feel sluggish and sick after eating any junk food. Literally, I can down 800 clean calories in five minutes but a dirty burger, etc, I just can't finish. So, my body eventually said "sorry chump, clean food or you feel sick." It it sucks because I do crave a junk meal every now and then, I just can't enjoy them anymore. I literally cannot finish a whopper sandwich. 3 bites and instant nausea and sick feeling.

 

[Beez]

I prefer a clean bulk, but I can’t always get my food in if I go completely clean. I know it’s weird, but sometimes I need some dirty calories just to get my calories.

 

[The Grim Repper]

I prefer a clean bulk, but I can’t always get my food in if I go completely clean. I know it’s weird, but sometimes I need some dirty calories just to get my calories.

Totally fine there, brother! I'm putting 4k in clean food down a day and it's a lot of damned food. I wanna burger damn it. LOL